How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth is a necessary part of helping your canine companion maintain good oral health. It should start from the time they are still a puppy and continue into their adult years. Brushing their teeth might not be their favorite experience, but there are steps you can take to ensure it is a painless one.
Start out the first time by wrapping your finger in sterile gauze and applying a dab of dog toothpaste to it. Rub the finger inside your dog’s mouth and along their teeth. Doing this first will let them adjust to having a foreign object inside their mouth. Over time, you can upgrade to a regular toothbrush. Increase the duration of the brushing and the amount of teeth cleaning over time until the dog is completely comfortable with the whole process.
Once it is established as a regular habit, follow these steps each time to brush your dog’s teeth:
1. Have your dog sit right next to you on a comfortable chair or the couch.
2. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. Use a flavor agreeable to your dog’s taste.
3. Starting brushing at the back of the mouth. Brush your dog’s teeth like you brush your own in the morning or evening. Be gentle and go from the gum line to the bottom of the tooth in a circular motion. Brushing too hard can damage gums and cause them to bleed. Focus most of your attention on cleaning the outside of the teeth.
4. As you are brushing, check for tartar buildup, inflamed gums, damaged teeth or anything else your vet may need to examine.
5. Once the top teeth are sufficiently clean, start brushing the bottom teeth until they are also clean.
In addition to the regular brushing you do at home, it is also a good idea to have your vet examine the dog’s mouth and also clean their teeth during a regular check-up. Your vet will also be better equipped to deal with cavities, broken teeth or other problems that may impact your dog’s health.
Making a habit of brushing your dog’s teeth weekly isn’t just about keeping their breath fresh. It is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. Getting their teeth brushed might not be a favorite experience, but your canine companion can not enjoy a good quality of life without it.